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Chikuma River Summer Fireworks Festival

Guide

Chikuma River Summer Fireworks Festival

5 min read

Event Overview

The Chikuma River Summer Fireworks Festival is a historic and massive fireworks event held along the banks of the Chikuma River in Chikuma City, Nagano. Celebrating its 95th year in 2026, the festival lights up the sky with approximately 10,000 fireworks. The unique mountain geography creates a natural echo, making the sound and light display an immersive sensory experience.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The absolute highlight is the 300-meter 'Niagara' waterfall of light stretching across Manyo Bridge—a truly breathtaking sight. The program also includes music-synchronized fireworks and massive, high-intensity star mines. For those near the launch site, the vibrations and sound will provide an unforgettable, high-impact experience.

Beyond the fireworks, the area comes alive with about 100 food stalls (Yatai), allowing you to enjoy local Japanese summer festival flavors and the vibrant atmosphere.

Schedule

The event is held on August 7, 2026. The fireworks are scheduled to launch from 19:30 to 21:00. Please note that the schedule may change due to weather conditions; please check the official website on the day for the latest updates.

Venue & Access

The venue is the Chikuma River riverside near Togura Kamiyamada Onsen (between Taisho Bridge and Manyo Bridge).

  • *By Train**: Approximately a 15-minute walk from Shinano Railway's Togura Station.
  • *By Car**: About 8 minutes from Sakaki IC (Joshin-etsu Expressway) or 15 minutes from Seriari IC (Nagano Expressway).
  • *Parking**: Approximately 1,100 parking spaces are available in the vicinity (both paid and free options available).

Tips for Visitors

To get the best view of the massive displays, consider booking a reserved seating area in advance. Since the area becomes extremely crowded, using public transportation or arriving early is highly recommended for a smooth experience.

What to Bring & Etiquette

As you will be watching from the riverbank at night, please dress appropriately for the season. Temperatures can drop or wind can pick up near the water, so bringing a light jacket is a good idea. For the food stalls, having small change or cash ready will make your purchases much smoother. Please check the official website for specific reservation and payment rules.